Leon Kotschwar, 82 - May 13, 2009

Leon “Skeet” George Kots­chwar, 82, of Farnam died Tuesday, May 5, 2009, at the Gothenburg Memorial Hospital Long Term Care Center.
Services were held on Monday, May 11, at the Farnam United Methodist Church with the Rev. Tess Hufford officiating. Burial took place at the Farnam Cemetery with military honors by the Farnam Firing Squad.
Kotschwar was born Dec. 23, 1926, to William and Viola (White) Kotschwar three miles southwest of Maywood. When he was 2 weeks old, the family moved to a farm south of Curtis, living there until he was 13. They then moved to a farm south of Farnam, and he continued living in the Farnam area the rest of his life.
He graduated from Farnam High School in 1944. On March 6, 1945, he entered the U.S. Army and received his honorable discharge on Dec. 12, 1946. While in the Army, he served with the 375th Transportation Corps Harbor Craft in Manila and the Philippine Islands performing duties as a dispatcher in the motor pool of trucks and jeeps.
On Aug. 16, 1953, he married Muriel Gewecke at the Farnam United Methodist Church. To this union, four children were born.
Kotschwar and his brother, Clyde, were trucking partners of livestock and grain, usually trucking in the local area and to the Omaha Stockyards.
He was a self-employed farmer/rancher his entire adult life. He was also a substitute mail carrier for many years. His occupation and recreation was work, but always found time to help out a neighbor or friend in need, according to family members.
Kotschwar was a member of the Farnam United Methodist Church for 57 years and served on various church boards. His memberships and civic activities included fire chief at Farnam for 24 years, a 50-year member of the American Legion Post No. 288, the Rural Fire Board, Veteran’s of Foreign War Post No. 8146, the Senior Center board, Village of Farnam board and Farnam Economic Development.
?He was proud of his children and grandchildren and enjoyed their visits and attending their activities, said family members. He also enjoyed playing and watching sports, as he had played first base in baseball, enjoyed golf with friends and family and especially football.
Kotschwar was preceded in death by: his parents, William and Viola; two sisters—Viola and Maxine; three brothers—Stanley, Robert and Clyde.
?Survivors include: his wife, Muriel of Farnam; his children—Brent (Peggy) Kotschwar of Omaha, Lana (Nick) Cate of Peachtree City, GA, Perry Kotschwar of Elwood, and Bryan (Nancy) Kotschwar of Big Springs; eight grandchildren—Kurt Kotschwar, Allison Kotschwar, Brennan Cate, Bennett Cate, Ryan Cate, Trenton Kotschwar, Lindsey Kotschwar and Grace Kotschwar; two brothers—Anton Kotschwar of Moorefield, and Glen (Vicki) Kotschwar of Chadron; five sisters—Gladys (Orville) Thrasher of San Bernardino, CA, Bettye Cross of Pineville, OR, Alice Fickenscher of Surprise, AZ, Mable Conklin of Sterling, IL, and Jean (Ivan) Henderson of Lexington; sister-in-law, Willa McCaa of Arapahoe; brother-in-law, Thomas McCaa of Greensburg, LA; numerous nephews, nieces and cousins.
A memorial has been established and may be sent to: 75235 Rd. 409, Farnam, NE 69029.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blase strauser.com. Arrangements have been placed in the care of Blase-Strauser Memorial Chapel of Gothenburg.

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